By Evangelist Emmanuel Annang Faithson.
Ideological Polarization refers to the growing divide between groups based on rigid beliefs, whether political, religious, tribal, or cultural, where each side becomes increasingly intolerant of differing perspectives.
This complex does not just pose a threat to democracy and civilization; it is often the root of discriminations and cause of internal conflicts. A closer look at global and regional events reveals that many wars and civil strife can be traced back to the deep divides created by ideological differences.
One tragic example is the Rwandan Genocide, where prejudice, racism, and ethnic propaganda played a central role. In just 100 days, more than 800,000 people were brutally killed because of long-standing ethnic ideologies that were inflamed by political narratives and resentment.
The 1994 Rwandan Genocide, a brutal conflict between the Hutu ethnic majority and the Tutsi minority, was ignited by unguarded sentiments and hate-filled propaganda spread by extremist groups. This tragic episode stands as a stark reminder of how extremism, when left unchecked, can escalate into mass violence.
Too often, we say things loosely without fully appreciating the impact and emotional cost they have on others. Mass Communication and Responsible Media must not be treated as mere communication advices but imperative demands of media broadcast.
The Rwandan Genocide didn’t start with machetes, it began with words. Words that incite violence, dehumanize people and perpetuate trauma laid the groundwork for one of the most horrific atrocities of our time.
That same ideological polarization “us vs. them” thinking remains a present and dangerous force, even in seemingly stable societies. Perhaps it is time we clearly define what constitutes extremism and hate speech, not just in theory but in practical, culturally relevant terms that guide our public actions, discourse and conduct.
There must be a deliberate, ongoing process of civic education and public awareness, a system of reminders and accountability to keep individuals and institutions in check. Only then can we foster a culture that values empathy, restraint, and responsible communication.
The concept of school must not be limited to classroom. Education is far more than academic achievement. True learning is a lifelong journey, a continuous process that shapes how we think, act, and engage with the world around us.
When we view education only as a phase or a certification, we risk fostering a dependent mindset, waiting for answers or instructions from others. But when we embrace learning as a constant, lived experience, we cultivate a growth mindset, one that encourages initiative, creativity, and resilience.
This shift is essential if we are to unlock our full potential and achieve meaningful, rapid advancement as individuals and as a society. The issue of ideological polarization must receive serious attention at the highest levels of leadership and public discourse. It is no longer a distant concern but a real and present danger to our peace, cohesion, and survival.
It is against this backdrop that a recent incident at UEW, in the Efutu Municipality, which is symptomatic of deeper ideological fracture, comes into perspective. The University of Education, Winneba, designed to train teachers to feed our schools and classrooms is gaining notoriety for all the bad reportage.
If it’s not drowning at the beach, its suicide on campus, murder in a hostel, or kidnapping of a lecturer. The latest tragedy involves the stigmatized rejection of a course mate simply because of a visible wound on the body, aggravated by his diabetic condition.
He later died in his hostel but only unnoticed after several days. This disturbing and heart breaking incident reveals a profound failure in
socialization, absence of social support and solidarity within the campus community. In a place meant to nurture minds and foster unity, we are instead witnessing emotional isolation, traumatic and distressing moral apathy.
These frequent tragic incidents at the University cannot pass unexamined. It calls for investigation into campus measures and hostel protocols to safeguard and protect welfare of students, improve inclusivity and enhance support systems in the academic institution.
Evangelist Emmanuel Annang Faithson.
Dodowa, Accra
024 583 7344
One Response
This subject of ideological polarization is very important also in the contest of what ius going on tween Russian and Ukraine and Isreal and Palestine and Lebanon and Iran! The world is polarized on ideological grounds – and this is what is destroying us! our rigid political believes be it tribe, religion, tribe, or race. But why should this be? Can we not just condemn what is wrong without taking unholy side? or everything is now about politics? If we do not put a stop to this crime will no longer be crime. And indeed, we are there! Politics and ideological polarization is making us insane! Politics is a right everyone has but it must not defile nor define us! I love Donald Trump but that does not make me a fun of all his ideas and policies or a Republican. I did not like Fmr President Biden on many of his policies but that does not make me hate him or against Democrat. We must stop this nonsense of ideological polarization. It is believed mostly Christians support Isreal on the attack against Palatines and recent strikes against Iran. The same way Mostly Muslims also support Hezbollah and Iran against Isreal, what is going on simply politics and religion. Let’s not pretend. But really ideological polarization serve any better purpose or does our religious or political differences bring any justification for discrimination, genocide, strife and conflicts? No, We will be failing in our purpose and grace to take positions that destroys us and make us enemies of each other! As a follower of Christ, I believe that to be on Gods side is to flow in love – have the Spirit of Christ than judgment, calling fire on Samaritans Luke 9:55-56. As a Christian I am to Watch and Pray not to Watch and Condemn!
Lets live in peace as brothers and coexist as sisters than push others away as enemies. Terrorism and extremism of all shape, shade and form is not good no matter who perpetuates it or where it comes from. Let’s push our shared values and common peace and security not our ideological polarizations and political differences that makes us evil!